Let me try and put this in a different context while using some of the views expressed but not meaning to be critical of those views and incurring the wrath of those holding those views. I am honestly not trying to incite people (that is sort of an apology to you Gaz) only to get us to view the debate in the broadest context and not just from our own personal interests.

Spleen coming down to Belize with his spear is not the problem and the threat to the environment as SimonB’s observation might suggest. Spleen coming to Belize is the problem.

And, a tourist hiring a fishing guide to take him out to a spear some fish or catch some lobster for a shore lunch or to take back for dinner instead of just coming down and going diving is not the problem. Fishermen and divers coming down are the problem.

The reason for there being less fish around Ambergris Caye is the destruction to the marine eco system and the demand for sea food. Hell (this might be a slight exaggeration) there are almost as many restaurants on AC now as there were people 40 years ago.

Any fishery or eco system can only handle so much pressure. And, we all who live or visit AC put pressure on those. None of us are exempt from contributing to this pressure.

IMO, what would be best for Belize is for everyone who has an interest in Belize to work together to promote sustainable growth and not just try to limit growth by promoting ones interests while discouraging the interests of others. Of course that is complicated by that term greed. So don’t hold your breath and expect AC to be like it was 40 years ago. But don’t blame today only on those with interests other than yours.

It's a shame that when people disagree they resort to abusive name calling and swearing. This is, after all, a web forum where people come to share information and ideas. I don't offend easily, but I can imagine that people who are coming to this site for the first time just to find out a bit about Ambergris Caye might be a bit intimidated. Everyone has an opinion, but people are much more likely to listen and respect it when it is voiced reasonably.

Personally, as someone who has little experience fishing except when I was a child and who is very interested in understanding more about fishing, sustainability and the legal and ethical aspects, I find this sort of debate interesting in relation to Ambergris Caye as I intend to spend a great deal of time there and I would like to produce and take my own food without ruining the environment for Belizeans of the future.

spleen then why bring me into the mess your big mouth created .I could care a rats a** about you or your views .and no you will not have the bal*s to tell the local guy your self..I will follow the rules, as I try to do my best and blend to the local fisherman rules ,not preach to them and no gringo will tell me whats right or wrong when in a foreign counrty that I enjoy fishing in .my ranting is at you !should mind your own business and keep my name from your bull shit..In a month you will be drinking your latte at the office and will not care about any one eating fish in belize.. and who cares about kill spear fishing ,controlled sport fishing ,it is a personal matter here in sanpedro opinions are like as* holes every body has one....and if a life long resident capt,.. of sanpedro tells me it is ok then it is ok .and spleen enjoy your stay in paradise.have a great time ....

And the beatings go on.....

bywarren, you're right in a sense. What is the carrying capacity of a place like AC? We tourists will come down and spend $$$ but we'll consume water, consume fish and other foods and leave waste. Then again, we have the same problems here at home, where I live 2 blocks from the intracoastal waterway. We humans are gonna leave our footprint wherever we are. That's why I think there's value in being thoughtful about our impact wherever we are.

Jeff, like I said before I never accused you or blamed you for anything. You put the taking of the fish on the Cap'n stating you're just along for the ride and don't ask questions or offer opinions. That's fine. I didn't think the words "I saw Cap'n Jeff's pix" were terribly incendiary. Again, I'm not sure why you're all worked up since we both agree you don't have a dog in this fight.

Since you brought it up, I'm not saying it's the same thing but if you're on a boat and the captain's using dynamite to fish is that a "personal matter" and you're not about to tell him what to do? We are allowed our opinions and last time I checked we're free to state them if we think we see something out of sorts. If you think taking juvie jewfish is no big thing, then enjoy it while it lasts. We had lots of local old-timer fisherman here in Florida who thought it was OK to take any and every jewfish they saw too and then guess what? We hardly had any jewfish left. Funny how that happens, huh?

geeeeez - where'd the love go

PEACE...